Top Colorado Towns and Cities That Are Dream Destinations for Skiers and Snowboarders

Colorado is the U.S.’s premier destination for those who want to hit the slopes. The presence of the Rocky Mountains and snowy conditions make for ideal skiing and snowboarding, and Colorado is circled on every avid skier’s bucket list. There are many towns and cities in Colorado with excellent proximity to world-renowned mountain resorts that provide gorgeous settings for a winter ski adventure.

Let’s explore some of the towns and cities in Colorado that are the best for skiers and snowboarders. 

Steamboat Springs is a small city that is an unmatched winter destination due to the presence of the Steamboat Ski Resort. This is a massive area with diverse terrain. Steamboat Ski Resort alone includes six peaks. The town also has geothermal hot springs for warming up after a day on the slopes.

Telluride is a historic town in the Rocky Mountains with an appealing culture and renowned museums and performance venues. The Telluride Ski Resort is one of Colorado’s top spots for skiers, with a variety of terrain that will challenge those of all experience levels. Telluride itself has been featured by Travel + Leisure as one of the most idyllic ski towns in the country. 

Snowmass is one of Colorado’s most famed skiing destinations, and Snowmass Village is the municipality at the heart of it. The Snowmass Ski Area includes a whopping 3,300+ acres of skiable terrain in one of Colorado’s prettiest areas. There are plenty of ski-in, ski-out lodging spots in the village, and it is less crowded than some of Colorado’s other popular alpine hotspots.

Crested Butte has a small permanent population, but it is a bustling hotspot in the winter due to the presence of the massive Crested Butte Mountain Resort. It is situated in the Rocky Mountains with perfect conditions, and the main town area has quaint shops and delicious dining choices on scenic Elk Avenue. Crested Butte Mountain Resort has exceptional options for skiers of all experience levels.

Vail is one of Colorado’s most famed destinations for skiers. It is a small town at the base of Vail Mountain, home to the huge Vail Ski Resort. This is one of the top resorts in the state, with incredible conditions and numerous runs. It also has luxurious lodging and fine dining destinations. The terrain parks and extreme runs will excite even the most experienced skiers.

Durango is a small city near the New Mexico border surrounded by mountains. It is a popular destination year-round due to its natural beauty and vibrant culture, but its nearby skiing locations make it a must-see in the winter. A major ski resort within a short drive of downtown Durango includes Purgatory Resort. In addition to downhill, Durango is also an ideal area for cross-country skiing.

Aspen might be the pinnacle of Colorado ski towns. This small city in the Rocky Mountains has long been a getaway where the wealthy and famous spend their ski seasons. Aspen Snowmass is a massive four-mountain ski area that includes the Snowmass Resort. It has some of the best ski runs in the country, as well as fine dining and trendy shops. 

Keystone is a quiet town in the mountains with a tiny permanent population, but a hotspot in the winter for its excellent ski setting. The Keystone Resort is a hugely popular winter destination and is a haven for skiers and snowboarders. It is a massive resort with 20 lifts, 130 trails, and 3,149 skiable acres. It has some incredible terrain, including a run that stretches for 3.5 miles.

Salida is a small town that has a picturesque look and cozy feel. It is an ideal destination for those who want to miss out on the big crowds but still enjoy perfect conditions. The nearby Monarch Mountain is the closest ski resort to the city and is one of the oldest ski resorts in the state. It has a total of 63 trails for skiers to explore.